Rested Navarro Catches Twins Napping

June 25, 1999|By Teddy Greenstein, Tribune Staff Writer.

Unlike the rest of his teammates, Jaime Navarro had plenty of sleep on the eve of Thursday's 1 p.m. game. Moments after Wednesday night's game was delayed by rain, Navarro received permission to leave Comiskey Park early.

"I don't like to do that," Navarro said. "Maybe I'm superstitious. But it was nice to get home and get my rest."

Navarro's teammates would agree the tradeoff was worth it. Although the 31-year-old right-hander wasn't around to cheer them Wednesday night, he made up for it in the White Sox's 5-3 victory over Minnesota. Navarro hardly dominated the Twins' light-hitting lineup, but all 12 of the hits he allowed over 5 2/3 innings were singles.

"I'd rather they be singles than gappers or extra-base hits," Navarro said. "I just wanted to keep the game close."

Navarro, who improved to 6-5, received plenty of help. Ray Durham and Mike Caruso turned three double plays, Jeff Liefer recorded his first career three-RBI game and the bullpen allowed just two runners in three-plus innings.

"We're getting it done now with different guys," said Frank Thomas, who had three hits, including the 1,500th of his career.

Liefer's performance was especially impressive, considering the rookie designated hitter hadn't started a game in eight days.

"Today I felt like I had the rhythm," Liefer said. "I have to try to find a way to keep it."

Ray Durham had three hits Thursday to improve his average in June to .389. Chris Singleton, who went 2 for 3, is batting .359 this month. Thomas has driven in 19 runs since June 1, including one Thursday on a double down the right-field line.